01 · Explore
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma
Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for gallantry. His story is one of extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Badgam in 1947.
In August 1947, Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the Kashmir Valley, violating an agreement with Maharaja Hari Singh. By October, infiltrators had invaded, leading the Princely State to join India. On October 31, Major Somnath Sharma of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, was airlifted to Srinagar despite having his left hand in a plaster cast. He insisted on leading his men, stating he knew them better than anyone else.
On November 3, 1947, while patrolling near Badgam village to protect the strategic Srinagar airport, Major Sharma's D Company of 90 men was attacked by approximately 500 tribal invaders. Realizing the gravity of being outnumbered nearly seven to one, he requested air strikes and laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft. Despite heavy fire and injuries, he moved across the battlefield to fill magazines for his gunners and encourage his men.
When ordered to pull back due to lack of ammunition, Major Sharma famously replied that he would not withdraw an inch but would fight to the last man and the last round. Shortly after, he was killed by a mortar shell. His company held their position for six more hours, providing critical time for reinforcements to arrive and save Srinagar. Major Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his supreme sacrifice at the age of 24.
Major Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Himachal Pradesh, into a family with a rich military legacy. His father was Major General Amar Nath Sharma. Young Somnath was deeply inspired by the valorous tales of the Mahabharata told by his grandfather. He was educated at Sherwood College, Nainital, and trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, before being commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
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Why was Major Somnath Sharma's presence at Badgam critical for the safety of Srinagar?
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What does the term 'posthumously' mean in the context of Major Sharma's award?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8.
02 · Explore
Poetry: Somebody's Mother
Written by Mary Dow Brine, this poem highlights the values of kindness and empathy through a simple encounter between an elderly woman and a young schoolboy.
The poem describes an old, 'ragged and grey' woman standing at a busy, slippery crossing on a cold winter day. She is 'meek' and 'timid,' afraid that the carriage wheels or horses might knock her down. While a 'throng' of people and a 'flock' of laughing schoolboys pass her by without notice, one 'merry' boy stops to help. He recognizes her vulnerability and offers his strong arm to guide her safely across the street.
The boy's motivation is rooted in empathy. He tells his friends that she is 'somebody's mother,' and he hopes that someday, when his own mother is old and he is far away, another 'noble boy' will lend her a hand. That night, the old woman prays for the boy, calling him 'somebody's son' and a 'pride and joy.' The poem uses a rhythmic AABB rhyme scheme and couplets to deliver its message of universal compassion.
Key literary devices include similes, such as comparing the boys to a 'flock of sheep,' and contrast, which highlights the difference between the woman's 'trembling feet' and the boy's 'firm and strong' steps. The repetition of the phrase 'somebody's mother' emphasizes that every person deserves respect and care because they belong to a family and a community.
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What is the central theme of the poem 'Somebody's Mother'?
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How does the poet use contrast to describe the characters?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 22, 23, 24, 25.
03 · Explore
Verghese Kurien: I Too Had A Dream
Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the 'Milkman of India,' shares his life's philosophy in a 2005 letter to his grandson, Siddharth.
Dr. Kurien begins by reflecting on the value of letter-writing over instant communication like the telephone. He believes letters are treasures that can be re-read for 'abiding pleasure.' He explains that his career was not what he originally envisioned—he could have been a corporate executive or an Army general—but a series of events led him to work for a small cooperative of dairy farmers in Anand, Gujarat. This choice transformed his life and the lives of millions of farmers.
He emphasizes the importance of 'personal integrity,' which he defines as being honest with oneself. He believes that life is a privilege and that failure is not about losing, but about not putting in one's best effort for the 'common good.' He credits his success to the support of his wife and the values he inherited from his parents and his mentor, Tribhuvandas Patel. He reminds his grandson that true rewards come from a life well-spent in service to humanity.
The letter also recounts a moment in 1999 when Dr. Kurien received the Padma Vibhushan. When his grandson asked if he could keep the medal, Dr. Kurien challenged him to earn his own rewards through his own work. He concludes by stating that if we are brave enough to love and rejoice in others' happiness, we have lived life to the fullest. His legacy is the 'White Revolution,' which made India a leader in milk production.
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According to Dr. Kurien, what is the true definition of failure?
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What value does Dr. Kurien consider the most important?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 34, 35, 36, 37, 48.
04 · Explore
Grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
In English grammar, the verb must match the number of the subject. For example, 'A contingent of troops was airlifted' uses the singular verb 'was' because 'contingent' is a singular collective noun. Similarly, 'The soldiers were expected' uses the plural verb 'were' because 'soldiers' is plural. This rule applies even when phrases come between the subject and the verb.
Special cases include words like 'each,' 'neither,' and 'either.' These usually take singular verbs. For example, 'Each of the participants has submitted the project.' However, when using 'neither... nor' or 'either... or,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example, 'Neither the teacher nor the students were aware' uses 'were' because 'students' is plural and closer to the verb.
| Subject Type | Example Sentence | Verb Used |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | The bouquet of flowers is beautiful. | is (singular) |
| Plural | The members of the jury have delivered the verdict. | have (plural) |
| Collective Noun | A battalion of soldiers stands at attention. | stands (singular) |
| Indefinite Pronoun | One of the players was injured. | was (singular) |
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Correct this sentence: 'The data collected by the researchers show significant trends.'
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05 · Explore
Vocabulary and Punctuation: Dashes and Confusing Words
Understanding the difference between similar-sounding words and the correct use of dashes improves writing clarity.
The chapter distinguishes between nouns ending in '-ce' and verbs ending in '-se.' For example, 'advice' is a noun (the suggestion given), while 'advise' is a verb (the act of giving a suggestion). Other pairs include 'practice/practise' and 'device/devise.' Additionally, 'defence' (British) and 'defense' (American) have the same meaning but different spellings.
Punctuation marks like the en dash (–) and em dash (—) serve different purposes. The en dash is used for ranges, such as dates (1923–1947) or scores (2–1). The em dash is longer and used to add extra information or create a pause in a sentence, such as: 'Writing—even if it is a letter—conveys our concerns.'
Collective nouns are also highlighted, specifically those used in the military. A 'regiment' is a permanent unit of an army typically divided into several companies. A 'squadron' is a small unit typically comprising 12–24 aircrafts. A 'fleet' refers to a group of ships sailing together under the same ownership.
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When should you use an en dash instead of an em dash?
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What is the difference between 'its' and 'it's'?
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06 · Explore
National Symbols and Gallantry Awards
India honors extraordinary bravery through specific military awards, the highest being the Param Vir Chakra.
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) signifies the 'Wheel of the Ultimate Brave.' Instituted in 1947, it was designed by Savitri Khanolkar. The design is inspired by Sage Dadhichi, who sacrificed his life so his bones could be used to create the 'Vajra' (thunderbolt) to defeat evil. The medal is cast in bronze and features the State Emblem of India surrounded by four replicas of Indra's Vajra.
Other gallantry awards include the Maha Vir Chakra (second-highest) and the Vir Chakra. These are awarded for 'conspicuous bravery' in the presence of the enemy. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient, and Captain Vikram Batra, known as the 'Shershah of Kargil,' was also a recipient for his heroism in 1999. Their names are etched on the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial in Delhi.
The Hierarchy of Gallantry Awards
- 1
Param Vir Chakra
The highest military award for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
- 2
Maha Vir Chakra
The second-highest military award for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
- 3
Vir Chakra
The third-highest award for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
These awards recognize the supreme sacrifice and courage of India's armed forces.
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Who designed the Param Vir Chakra and what was the inspiration?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 10, 18, 20, 21, 50.